By 1878, Massachusetts passed legislation formalizing probation and providing authority to create a paid probation staff. The American Correctional Association has always supported probation. In 1907, a small number of probation officers founded the National Association of Probation Officers. The first directory of probation officers was published in 1911. The association held its first independent conference in 1913 and published its first annual proceedings in 1915. The issues faced in the early part of the 20th Century were similar to those of today. Until the 1960's, probation and its association had a clear focus and mission guided by the liberal reform ideals of that generation. However, disillusionment in the late 1960's led to the view that nothing works in corrections. In the 1970's, the American Probation and Parole Association was formed and committed itself to realistic and effective programming and stronger public support through an improved public image, sound leadership, less fragmentation, and increased professionalism. In the mid-1980's, the National Institute of Corrections funded a project to rethink probation. Although probation has proven to be adaptable, it faces many challenges. It is in the forefront or arguing for balance in the criminal justice system and this year issued its new vision statement. Photograph, text of vision statement, and 7 references